Be Aware of Bobcats

Bobcats are medium-sized wild cats native to Texas and common in urban areas. Bobcat kits may appear similar to domestic cats, but they typically have tufts of hair on the tips of their ears, longer hair on the sides of their heads creating a ruff, a short tail, long legs, and big feet. Adults are generally reclusive and active primarily at night, but kits can be adventurous and roam from their den. We do have a substantial population of bobcats across Dallas, so sightings are quite common. The City does not trap, remove, or relocate healthy outdoor wildlife for a multitude of reasons, but encourages healthy coexistence.

NEVER interact with, approach, feed, or corner adult or kit bobcats. Bobcats are not typically considered a threat to humans but may attack pets. It is unsafe for them to lose their natural fear of people. You can avoid unintentionally feeding and attracting bobcats by removing things that attract rodents and squirrels, securing chickens, and monitoring pets when outdoors. We strongly recommend against allowing owned cats to roam freely outdoors.

Typical Urban Bobcat Behavior:

• May be heard or spotted at a distance during the day or night
• May cross through yards, parks, green spaces, or driveways when humans are NOT present.
• Is skittish and easily scared off by noise or approaching humans
• Does not approach dogs and cats when humans are present

What to do if you see a bobcat in your neighborhood:

• Use hazing methods to let the bobcat know that they are not welcome.
• Make noise, wave your arms, toss objects near (not at) the bobcat, spray them with a hose or otherwise annoy them until they leave.
• If the bobcat is not easily scared or appears sick or injured, call 311 to inform DAS about their behavior.
• If the bobcat is aggressively approaching, entering personal space, or attacking humans or pets, get to a safe location and call 911.

Find more information about bobcats and other urban wildlife at BeDallas90.org/wildlife